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Abstract

Introduction: Irisin, a recently discovered hormone, has been shown to induce white adipose tissue browning, enhancing energy expenditure and possibly mediating some of the beneficial effects of exercise. We aimed to estimate a) the timeframe of changes in plasma irisin levels after acute maximal exercise, b) the effect of different exercise intensities on irisin levels immediately post-exercise, and c) the effect of smoking (chronic and acute) on exercise-induced irisin release.

Conclusions: Plasma irisin levels were acutely elevated in response to exercise, with a greater increase after maximal exercise. Higher VO2max was associated with greater irisin release. These findings suggest that irisin release could be a function of muscle energy demand. Future studies need to determine the underlying mechanisms of irisin release and explore irisin’s therapeutic potential.